Parts of North India continue to see relief from scorching heat as the monsoon brings widespread rainfall. According to the latest forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi is under a yellow alert today with predictions of cloudy skies accompanied by light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and lightning.
The IMD report highlights that rainfall on Monday helped bring down the minimum temperature by 1–3°C below normal, while maximum temperatures are also expected to stay 2–4°C lower than average. This break in the heat wave has come as a welcome relief for Delhi residents, along with improved air quality.
Delhi Breathes Cleaner Air
Thanks to consistent showers, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘Satisfactory’ category for the 12th day in a row on Monday — the longest stretch of clean air this year so far. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI was recorded at 85 at 4 pm on Monday. After reaching 134 (moderate) on June 25, Delhi’s AQI fell to 94 the next day and has stayed below 100 since then. The rain on Monday morning helped maintain lower temperatures and clear skies across most parts of the capital.
Orange Alert for Several States
The IMD has also issued an orange alert for several other states including Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Telangana. Heavy rainfall is expected in these regions on July 8, which could bring both relief and new challenges.
Heavy Rain Wreaks Havoc in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh continues to face the brunt of the monsoon since its arrival on June 20. The state has already reported 52 rain-related fatalities. Since the onset of the monsoon, there have been at least 23 instances of flash floods, 19 cloudbursts, and 16 landslides. Mandi district remains among the worst affected, where rescue teams are using drones and sniffer dogs to trace 28 people who went missing last week in Thunag, Gohar, and Karsog subdivisions. On Monday, a massive landslide in Bilaspur’s Sai Kharsi area sent huge debris tumbling onto a petrol pump. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Rainfall Causes Disruption in Uttarakhand
In Uttarakhand, heavy rain has also created chaos. On July 7, torrential rain in Uttarkashi swept away a bridge on the Yamunotri National Highway near Ojri, cutting off road access to Yamunotri. The IMD has issued warnings for very heavy rainfall in the state till July 10, urging residents and travellers to remain cautious.
Much-Needed Showers Bring Relief to Kashmir
After enduring weeks of heat and humidity, parts of Jammu and Kashmir finally saw widespread rainfall on Monday. Heavy downpours led to a noticeable drop in temperatures across Srinagar, Jammu, and surrounding hilly areas, providing instant relief from the sweltering weather. Forecasts suggest that cooler conditions are expected to persist through the week, with day temperatures likely to stay near or slightly below seasonal norms.
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